I love shirtdresses and my favorite TNT shirtdress pattern is the Alder Shirtdress from Grainline Studio. I have made the ruffle bottomed version twice before with different results from two different fabrics. The red version below is made from a super soft and floaty rayon print, while the octopus version on the right is made from a crisp cotton lawn.

This time, I wanted to try the non-ruffled view and I opted for a linen cotton blend for summer. This fabric is perfect for a collared shirt or dress because it holds a nice, crisp shape. I love the subtle vertical stripes woven in and the deep blue color.

The Alder shirtdress pattern has small pockets included in the design and I opted to leave them off this version. I actually did sew them on and then removed them last minute and I am glad I did. They were disrupting the vertical stripes and they looked a little small on my figure, even though I had sewn them on previous versions and they looked fine, I think this more solid print emphasized them.

I also opted not to sew on any buttons. I know this seems like cheating, but it is one thing I love about this pattern. I can sew the placket closed, pull it on overhead, and still get the look of the shirtdress without having to do all the fussy buttonholes and worry about gapeing in the front. In this case, I also opted to leave off the buttons, too! I really love how simple it looks without them, it gives the illusion of a covered button placket. So, maybe this isn’t really a shirtdress anymore now, but I’m fine with that.

I really love this make and I look forward to wearing it loads this summer. Linen and cotton blends make the perfect summer wear, breathable and chic. Are you working on a #sewtogetherforsummer shirtdress?

Blog Comments

I should be working on a shirt dress, Alder or that McCall’s pattern everyone loves! In my case, though, it would be sleeveless and ready for cardigans to face the SF summer chill. Your Alder is fantastic! I love the darker denim, it has that perfect casual but not sloppy look.

I’m all over your dress and it totally counts as a Shirtdress still! In fact, the way you’ve simplified it makes me love it even more, especially paired with that fabric. It gets more interesting the more you look at it doesn’t it. Out and out perfection!
(and thank you! 😉 x

I have this pattern Helen but I haven’t made it up yet – I’ve been dallying around it not absolutely sure it’s what I want to make right now. I love yours and I think that drapey rayon print is perfect for it…you’ve spurred me I admit.

Join the Newsletter

About Helen’s Closet

Helen's Closet is a sewing blog for modern makers! My name is Helen and I run this blog from my home in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I love making my own clothes and sewcializing with the indie sewing community. Check back every week for a new garment post and the Wednesday Weekly, an indie sewing newsletter. You can check out my PDF sewing patterns, too!
Drop me a line anytime to say hi, I would love to hear from you!